Latin America Sports Daily for Thursday, October 1, 2026

01

Argentina beat Bolivia 4–0 in first game after Messi’s retirement

Result

Argentina beat Bolivia 4–0 in a friendly at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba on Wednesday. It was their first match since Lionel Messi announced his international retirement, and their first since the World Cup final, which they lost to Spain in extra time.

Lautaro Martínez opened the scoring in the 19th minute and Nicolás Paz doubled the lead in the 29th. Cristian Romero, captain in Messi’s absence, added the third in the 54th, and José Manuel “Flaco” López sealed the win in the 86th.

Messi, 39, played 207 games for Argentina and is their all-time top scorer with 125 goals. He will wear the No. 10 shirt one last time against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday 6 October, at 8pm local time. Argentina first host Burkina Faso there on Saturday at 9pm.

02

Brazil beat Australia 4–2 in Brisbane

Result

Brazil beat Australia 4–2 in Brisbane on Tuesday, in the second of two friendlies in Australia, after a 1–1 draw in Townsville on 25 September.

Vanderson scored after two minutes. Australia hit back through centre-back Circati in the 28th minute and Metcalfe from outside the box in the 33rd. Raphinha levelled from the penalty spot just before half-time.

In the second half Bruno Guimarães put Brazil ahead, and Vinícius Júnior converted a penalty after being fouled in the box. Carlo Ancelotti’s side play India in Kolkata on Saturday at 11am Brasília time, their last game of the window.

03

Mexico held by Peru as Márquez waits for a first win

Result

Mexico drew 1–1 with Peru in a friendly in New Jersey on Tuesday and are still without a win in two games under coach Rafael Márquez.

Jairo Vélez put Peru ahead in the 26th minute. Centre-back Víctor Guzmán headed the equaliser early in the second half from a Denzell García free kick.

Márquez changed all 11 starters from the 1–1 draw with Colombia in Baltimore on 26 September. Mexico play the United States on Saturday 3 October.

04

São Paulo host Santos during the Série A break

Preview

Brazil’s Série A is paused for the FIFA window and resumes on 7 October, but two held-over games go ahead. São Paulo host Santos at the Morumbis on Friday at 8pm Brasília time, in a game carried over from round 21. Atlético Mineiro host Red Bull Bragantino on Saturday.

Santos are eighth with 38 points from 27 games, two ahead of São Paulo, who are 11th with 36. Flamengo lead the table with 60 points.

05

Continental semi-finals: the dates

Preview

The Copa Libertadores semi-finals start on 14 October, when Fluminense host Palmeiras at the Maracanã. Estudiantes host Flamengo at the Estadio UNO in La Plata on 15 October. The return legs are on 21 and 22 October, and all four games kick off at 9:30pm Brasília time. The final is on 28 November at the Centenario in Montevideo.

In the Copa Sudamericana, Boca Juniors host Vasco da Gama at La Bombonera on 13 October at 9:30pm, with the return in Brazil on 20 October at a venue still to be confirmed. Atlético Mineiro host Montevideo City Torque at Arena MRV on 14 October at 7pm, with the return at the Centenario on 21 October. The final is in Barranquilla on 21 November.

06

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

When is Lionel Messi’s farewell match?

Argentina play Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday 6 October at 8pm local time. Messi, who retired from international football in August, will wear the No. 10 shirt one last time.

Who scored for Brazil against Australia?

Vanderson, Raphinha from a penalty, Bruno Guimarães and Vinícius Júnior from a penalty scored in the 4–2 win in Brisbane on 29 September.

When are the Copa Libertadores semi-finals?

Fluminense host Palmeiras on 14 October and Estudiantes host Flamengo on 15 October, with the return legs on 21 and 22 October. The final is on 28 November in Montevideo.

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Who did Argentina play in their first match after Messi’s retirement?

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Argentina beat Bolivia 4–0 in Córdoba on Wednesday. Lautaro Martínez, Nicolás Paz, Cristian Romero and José Manuel López scored in the first game since Messi’s international retirement.

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